11.11.2009, 17:18
Run IL-2 in DirectX or OpenGL?
This truthfully depends on a collection of factors. Though hottly debated in all IL-2 communities, objective reasoning will bring the IL-2 user to a clear understanding of which 3D mode to use.
Facts and recommendations to consider:
OpenGL IL-2 is fundamently an OpenGL program for our purposes. This is demonstrated in the fact that IL-2 can only be configured for perfect water in OpenGL. Though for some people this may not be practicable because of the limits of their computer, understanding, and how they have managed their system-running IL-2 efficiently in OpenGL will remain the ideal to attain.
DirectX Windows operating systems (OS) work best with DirectX, though Microsoft has worked hard and made progress in causing the OS authored within Microsoft to run the outside programs which utilize freeware and OpenGL.
Many people reading this will instantly wonder how to reconcile the two, since they have a Microsoft OS which is designed to use primarily DirectX and are running IL-2 which is based on OpenGL.
My recommendations
If you like what you have, then read no further and keep it.
There is nothing wrong with that, but you may never know what it could have been. :wink:
* Single CPU core users with older computers should endeaver to make their IL-2 go from 1 thread to multi-thread utilization in their CPU. Try Open GL if you insist-and it might work well for you with Threaded Optimization enabled. If that does not work after much effort with settings, then I recommend that you use DirectX if you need performance gain such as better input device performance, less stuttering, and even avoiding IL-2 lock or computer freezes. In this case you would strive to enable Threaded Optimization here, too. The DirectX mode called Prerendered Frames automatically causes the CPU to open more threads. It is worth a try. Hold that thought and finish the reading of this section...
* Single CPU core owners with late model CPU and GPU can expect to use OpenGL superior graphics with nice results, though a minority of them will find the performance specialization of DirectX most appealing.
** Dual Core CPU users with computers that are a few years old should be able to run OpenGL and like the improvements after optimization while maintaining good performance. A few people will prefer DirectX performance over OpenGL visuals.
** Dual Core CPU owners of late model equipment will likely find OpenGL to be their choice for fabulous simulated flying. Some guys have a rig that will run with all settings at maximum.
**** Multi Core CPU users with three or more cores and a good GPU can demand the best in IL-2 OpenGL visual graphics with little if any hindering of performance.
**** Multi Core CPU owners of three or more cores with a very fast and powerful GPU, such as NVIDIA SLI Technology or ATI Crossfire Technology, can have all of it: OpenGL settings at maximum with astonishing lightning fast performance. No stuttering, no input delay, no visual distortions-they will have excellent scenic detail and simulation performance in a reliable atmosphere.
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OpenGL will give you superior results such as perfect water, but this mode is demanding on a computer.
DirectX will give you superior performance when OpenGL proves out your reach. Plus, in my Dual Core computer, it renders forests and terrain with more detail for a certain amount of Frames Per Second. I see 3D trees in the forests with leaves, the ground has clumps and stones, and the plains have grass sodding details. The water is excellent with waves, shallows and reefs, though not perfect. This might be good enough for some.
This subtopic is important for you in Benchmark Preparation. Pick the catagory which best describes your computer and continue to the next subtopic.
This truthfully depends on a collection of factors. Though hottly debated in all IL-2 communities, objective reasoning will bring the IL-2 user to a clear understanding of which 3D mode to use.
Facts and recommendations to consider:
OpenGL IL-2 is fundamently an OpenGL program for our purposes. This is demonstrated in the fact that IL-2 can only be configured for perfect water in OpenGL. Though for some people this may not be practicable because of the limits of their computer, understanding, and how they have managed their system-running IL-2 efficiently in OpenGL will remain the ideal to attain.
DirectX Windows operating systems (OS) work best with DirectX, though Microsoft has worked hard and made progress in causing the OS authored within Microsoft to run the outside programs which utilize freeware and OpenGL.
Many people reading this will instantly wonder how to reconcile the two, since they have a Microsoft OS which is designed to use primarily DirectX and are running IL-2 which is based on OpenGL.
My recommendations
If you like what you have, then read no further and keep it.
There is nothing wrong with that, but you may never know what it could have been. :wink: * Single CPU core users with older computers should endeaver to make their IL-2 go from 1 thread to multi-thread utilization in their CPU. Try Open GL if you insist-and it might work well for you with Threaded Optimization enabled. If that does not work after much effort with settings, then I recommend that you use DirectX if you need performance gain such as better input device performance, less stuttering, and even avoiding IL-2 lock or computer freezes. In this case you would strive to enable Threaded Optimization here, too. The DirectX mode called Prerendered Frames automatically causes the CPU to open more threads. It is worth a try. Hold that thought and finish the reading of this section...
* Single CPU core owners with late model CPU and GPU can expect to use OpenGL superior graphics with nice results, though a minority of them will find the performance specialization of DirectX most appealing.
** Dual Core CPU users with computers that are a few years old should be able to run OpenGL and like the improvements after optimization while maintaining good performance. A few people will prefer DirectX performance over OpenGL visuals.
** Dual Core CPU owners of late model equipment will likely find OpenGL to be their choice for fabulous simulated flying. Some guys have a rig that will run with all settings at maximum.
**** Multi Core CPU users with three or more cores and a good GPU can demand the best in IL-2 OpenGL visual graphics with little if any hindering of performance.
**** Multi Core CPU owners of three or more cores with a very fast and powerful GPU, such as NVIDIA SLI Technology or ATI Crossfire Technology, can have all of it: OpenGL settings at maximum with astonishing lightning fast performance. No stuttering, no input delay, no visual distortions-they will have excellent scenic detail and simulation performance in a reliable atmosphere.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OpenGL will give you superior results such as perfect water, but this mode is demanding on a computer.
DirectX will give you superior performance when OpenGL proves out your reach. Plus, in my Dual Core computer, it renders forests and terrain with more detail for a certain amount of Frames Per Second. I see 3D trees in the forests with leaves, the ground has clumps and stones, and the plains have grass sodding details. The water is excellent with waves, shallows and reefs, though not perfect. This might be good enough for some.
This subtopic is important for you in Benchmark Preparation. Pick the catagory which best describes your computer and continue to the next subtopic.